'Bharat' stumbles over title issue

Uncertainty looms large over the release of Salman's upcoming 'Bharat'. Eyeing for an Eid release, the film faces obstruction as petitioner moves to Delhi HC.

Mumbai: Days before the release of Salman Khan's anticipated movie 'Bharat', a PIL was filed on Thursday in the Delhi High Court demanding a change in the title of the forthcoming film.

The petitioner Vikas Tyagi has termed the movie title as “distorting”, adding that it offended the sentiments, culture and the image of the country.

He also added that the title of the film has violated Section 3 of Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act. Tyagi pointed out that the word 'Bharat' which upholds the essence of our country cannot be used for commercial purpose.

• A PIL was moved in Delhi HC, today, against Salman Khan's upcoming movie 'Bharat'. The petition says that the title of the film is in violation of Section-3 of Emblems & Names Act ( Prevention of Improper Use). according to which word 'Bharat' can't be used for commercial purpose pic.twitter.com/p3DRc4sIfg

  — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2019 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="

  A PIL was moved in Delhi HC, today, against Salman Khan's upcoming movie 'Bharat'. The petition says that the title of the film is in violation of Section-3 of Emblems & Names Act ( Prevention of Improper Use). according to which word 'Bharat' can't be used for commercial purpose pic.twitter.com/p3DRc4sIfg

  — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2019

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  A PIL was moved in Delhi HC, today, against Salman Khan's upcoming movie 'Bharat'. The petition says that the title of the film is in violation of Section-3 of Emblems & Names Act ( Prevention of Improper Use). according to which word 'Bharat' can't be used for commercial purpose pic.twitter.com/p3DRc4sIfg

  — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2019

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Criticizing the movie, Tyagi in a recent statement said that the film is "distorting the culture and political image of our great country 'Bharat'."

Tyagi also sought to change one of the dialogues of the film since the character has been compared to the greatness of the country. It hurts the patriotic sentiment of the people of India, he added.

Talking about the justification of the title, Tyagi said, "This film is fraught with Salman's typical flippancy and vulgarity. Being a 'Bharatiya', I feel it is not appropriate to name such film or any character associated with this film after our great nation."

Helmed by Ali Abbas Zafar, 'Bharat' is scheduled to release on June 5, 2019.